Dentures solve the problem of missing teeth, but over time they can become uncomfortable and require periodic adjustments. After a few years, normal wear worsens the situation and a repair or replacement is required. Don't try to fix your dentures yourself! There are things you can do to temporarily improve comfort, but ultimately you need to see a dentist.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Short Term Solutions
Step 1. Apply dental wax to the sharp and pointed areas
If part of the prosthesis is chipped, it may have sharp edges that injure the tongue and mouth. Until you can see the dentist, use some wax: run your finger along the edge of the dentures to feel where the problem areas are and then apply the wax accordingly.
Wax is an absolutely temporary remedy. It comes off periodically and you always have to replace it. If you want a permanent solution, go to the dentist
Step 2. Use adhesive on loose dentures
Over time, the dentures lose their grip because the gums retract. If your dentures become unstable or start to peel off when you eat, try specific adhesives you can find at the pharmacy, and make an appointment with your dentist. Each sticker has specific instructions, but in principle you must follow these guidelines:
- Remove the dentures and turn them over, so that the part of the fabric is facing you.
- Apply a small amount of adhesive in three separate points: one in the center, one in the right area and the last in the left area.
- Put the dentures back in your mouth. It should be securely attached.
- Remember that adhesives, like wax, only offer temporary solutions. The dentist is the only long-term solution.
Step 3. Remove the dentures
If the wax or adhesive does not work, it is better to stay with "bare gums". Do not try to repair the dentures yourself and contact the dentist.
Part 2 of 2: Repairs at the Dentist
Step 1. Have your doctor check the prosthesis
Tell him that it hurts or feels unstable, and make sure he inspects it completely for sharp edges, irregularities, cracks, or hyper-extended fillets.
Step 2. Ask if it needs to be filed
After checking for problems with the prosthesis, your dentist may suggest that you need to file it. Using a low speed drill and acrylic bits, the doctor will remove the excess material and smooth out the prosthesis.
Low speed drills generate less heat and do not damage the dentures. In addition, the dentist has a wide range of acrylic tips, with different grain sizes, available to customize the repair
Step 3. Have the prosthesis polished
After filing, the dentist polishes the dentures (except the tissue area to avoid compromising the "fit" with the gums). This way you will have a smooth and shiny denture.
Step 4. Try it
Once checked, repaired and polished, the dentist will assess how the denture rests on the gums. First (and most importantly) tell your doctor if you feel any pain or discomfort. The dentist will check for the following problems:
- The extension of the fittings must be correct. If it is excessive you will have difficulty speaking, you will experience muscle tension and you will feel "full mouth", as well as the fact that the dentures may move. In this case, it will be necessary to further file the prosthesis.
- Lip support. The smile must be natural and the lips must not be excessively tight. Tell your doctor if you experience a strange sensation in your lips so he can proceed with the changes.
- Normality of verbalization. Your doctor will ask you to read a few sentences aloud to make sure there are no pronunciation problems, especially the sounds "t", "s" and "sc". If there are any problems, the dentist will remove material from the palatal area of the denture.
- Height verification. When you close your mouth, the dentures must not prevent normal tightening, and the distance between the upper and lower arches must not change. Excessive or insufficient height could stress the muscles of the face and give you an unnatural appearance. If the problem persists, it will be necessary to take a new impression, new measurements and redo the prosthesis.
Step 5. Try the bite
The dentist must check that the upper and lower arches come into contact appropriately. It will ask you to bite into something and then check the imprint left by your teeth. If it has a donut shape, it means that the contact is too early, and in this case the dentures must be filed and reshaped.
Step 6. Go to the dentist regularly
Over time, your mouth changes - you may lose another tooth, your gums may retract, or a tooth may have decayed. The doctor will notice all these changes and offer you the right solution. It will also give you all the instructions you need to take care of your prosthesis and keep it clean.
